Thomas Landseer, When I First Saw Thee Graceful Move, 1828, Print

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Antique 1828 satirical print when first i saw thee graceful move hand-colored this engaging and humorous hand-colored etching is titled … Read more Antique 1828 satirical print when first i saw thee graceful move hand-colored this engaging and humorous hand-colored etching is titled 'when first i saw thee graceful move' and was published in 1828 as part of thomas landseer’s brilliant satirical series monkeyana, or men in miniature. Landseer, a master of anthropomorphism, used monkeys to portray and parody human behavior, poking fun at the fashions, follies, and romantic misadventures of his time. The scene captures a comedic courtship moment. A sailor monkey, with exaggerated swagger, greets a female monkey in traditional rural dress. She stands with hands on hips, giving him a skeptical, perhaps scolding, look. In the background, other monkeys—dressed in human attire—appear to be playfully fighting or bickering, reinforcing the farcical undertone of the scene. Beneath the image is a verse split in two parts, reflecting the two characters: 'left (spoken by the female):' when first i saw thee graceful move ah me, what meant my throbbing breast 'right (spoken by the sailor):' say soft confusion, art thou love? if love thou art—then farewell rest. The poem is a playful twist on the language of romance and passion, casting it in a light of over-the-top melodrama, which, when paired with the monkey figures, becomes delightfully absurd. Signed in the plate by thomas landseer, the print showcases his detailed etching style and vibrant hand-coloring, with careful attention to costume and gesture. Condition: good. Strong impression and vivid hand coloring. Light age-toning and minor foxing, primarily near the lower margin. No tears or restoration visible. Sheet edges intact with original plate mark present. Artist: thomas landseer date: 1828 medium: hand-colored etching from: monkeyana, or men in miniature a delightful piece of 19th-century visual satire, ideal for collectors of caricature, romantic parody, or early victorian social commentary. See less